Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti has condemned the acquisition of fertile agricultural land for a railway project in the Bijbehara area of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir’s Islamabad district, calling it an assault on the livelihoods of local residents.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Iltija criticized the Modi regime and the administration under the Lieutenant Governor for targeting agricultural lands that are essential to the local economy. During a media interaction in Srinagar, she stated, “Acquiring fertile lands for a railway line is a direct attack on the livelihood of people. This stretch of land, passing through Pulwama, Bijbehara, and Awantipora, is highly fertile and dotted with orchards. It is wrong to destroy it for such projects.”

She further noted the potential ecological impact of the project and urged authorities to consider alternative routes that do not involve agricultural land. “The fragile ecology of Kashmir is already under threat. Satellite towns are being constructed without proper urban planning, further exacerbating insecurity among the people,” Iltija added.

The PDP leader accused the administration of ignoring public welfare, suggesting that the project is part of a broader strategy by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs to undermine the region’s economy. “From firing government employees to snatching agricultural lands, the LG administration is criminalizing livelihoods,” she remarked, calling on authorities to reconsider the project to protect the interests of the region’s people.